Idk what debate there is. If you're on average near or maybe even over your ratings then that means you'll be more comfortable towing with a bigger truck and have less to worry about.
I can relate and well put. I came from a 2019 Ram 1500 with 5.7 Hemi and 3:21 street gears (1788 Payload) and tow a 7600 LB RV Trailer for 3 years now. My last trip with the Ram, the gas mileage just dived down from 9 mpg to 6 mpg and just didn't have the power anymore even running in 5th gear. Think i wore her out. This past December 2023, I wanted to buy just a base farm truck, no thrills. Ended up with a 2023 Ford F250 XL with STX package for at 59K with the 3:73 gears and 6.8 Mini Zilla gas engine with 3850 payload. I will have to say after a couple of towing experiences, I'm not as wiped out as i used to be. I'd say if you can afford to go 3/4, go for it. There is a noticeable difference, and I too was that 1/2 ton guy. I don't think i would ever go back down to 1/2 ton after this experience. However watch them trim levels, some can get up way up there more than 100K. It is my daily driver.
I had an F150 that, according to the math, would tow the 8000 lb. trailer we wanted, but it would be right at the edge of what's legal and safe. It had 87000 miles on it, so I traded for a slightly used F250. I towed the new trailer home down I35 with many 18 wheelers passing and a little crosswind. Not a hint of sway and plenty of power. I would much rather have too much truck than too much trailer.
@fs_dave i hear ya. Another good point you bring up is mileage. A higher mule half ton may start really breaking alot of things if you hook heavier trailers to them. As would an older person if you threw a 100lb backpack on them haha
I tow everyday, a 7500lb eavestrough trailer with 6 ladders attached to the sides and top as well, with a 3 square foot frontal area box attached to top of trailer also.... it is FAR from aerodynamic. I tow this with a 2014 Tundra SR5 TRD with amsoil fluids all around as well as a engine oil bypass filter setup, no issues for 2 years of towing everyday for work. I grease the driveshaft every 2 months as well. Will post here in the future, if I remember, if anything happens.
Towed myj 6500 lb camper originally with a 2022 Ram 1500 5.7 Hemi pickup with 3.21 rear end. Truck did OK, but did a lot of gear hunting when towing in hilly areas, which is normal. The worst thing was the dismal gas mileage, which averaged around 7.2 mpg. Also with the camper loaded and truck bed full of equipment I was right at the max GVWR. Traded it in for a 2022 Ford F250 with a 6.2 gas engine and 3.72 rear end. Just completed a 1200 mile cross country trip from North Carolina, through the midwest, through Wyoming, Montana, Colorado, Idaho, South Dakota and Washington state. Traveled all through several mountain ranges, including many miles through the Rockies. There is a big difference between towing with a vehicle that was built for towing, and a truck that is basically a daily driver with a few upgrades for towing. I averaged 10.2 mpg on this trip with the F250, plus if you have ever towed a camper through Wyoming and Montana, the wind is so bad the roads are closed at times to all traffic. There is a big difference towing with a bigger heavier vehicle, and much less stressful for the driver. Bottom line, if you only use your camper for weekend trips, or short getaways a half ton truck is probably OK, however, for long cross country trips or serious mountain driving, if you can afford a larger vehicle, you would be well advised to invest in a 3/4 ton. It"s safer, more comfortable, and in some configurations, more economical. My opinion of course. Lol.
@@AmericanAutomotive1 We never tow over 62 MPH. The 3.72 gear ratio makes all the difference as the engine doesn't have to work as hard during acceleration . I was surprised as well, but have taken a couple of trips since then and still average around 10.2 mpg.
First I will agree about the 05 era. If you compare the 2011 F150, to the mid 2000-2008 2500’s, The 1/2 tons are as heavy, (as the gas versions) are TONS more capable, have bigger brakes, AND sway control. All the advantages EXCEPT payload go to the 1/2ton, unless you get the diesel. My 1/2 ton 2012 Coyote, has 254,000 miles, I tow HEAVY ,constantly, but I change fluids regularly, NO issues. VERY low cost of ownership. I tow 7,000-11,000 constantly.
I tend to agree the f150 in general is a bot of an exception, I think specifically with the coyote or 6.2 v8. They were slightly more heavy duty even in the mid 2ks, but especially later on then the others. For example, fully boxed frames, pretty stout rear ends, and like you said bigger brakes. Unfortunately for me, my Silverado really is extremely light duty. Great truck for bumming around town hauling stuff from time to time at home depot, but nit a long distance tow rig haha.
There's a big difference between hauling a flat bed trailer loaded with steel to max towing capacity once, and regularly towing a camper thats at max towing capacity. Also have to consider the added air resistance of a hard body camper. A tent trailer tows substantially easier than a hardbody, even at the same weights. My 2013 Tacoma is rated for 6500lbs towing. I would consider a one time trip at max capacity picking up building materials, or a trailer of dirt. But I don't wanna pull a high walled, hardbody trailer, or a trailer more than 3000lbs regularly. Often quite surprised what I see some people towing with these small trucks
i daily on and off a 1984 dodge W100. its geared pretty low, so even though its a 1/2 ton, i would feel comfortable going short distances (less than 20 miles) at 7,000 pounds, i wouldnt really tow more than 5000 pounds, but i would still only do it if i had to. Now, I am in line to purchase a 95 F250 with the 460 big block, extended cab, long bed. someone put about $8000 into the truck before it was given to the guy im buying it from, and all that guy can say is that the engine and trans were out of the truck at one point, so i have a feeling that the engine and trans had a rebuild recently, which would make sense as it has a gooseneck hitch in the bed, so it had been used to tow. and while i wasnt in the market for a trailer, having that option is nice, even if i just get a truck camper, but ive been seeing some 5th wheel and bumper pull camper trailers on the market that are under 30 feet long and under 10k pounds, and while i wasnt really in the market for one at this point in time, having those options is definitely appealing to me
It's a dangerous game. Get a bigger truck you start looking at bigger trailers...get a bigger trailer you start looking at bigger trucks haha. It's the natural order of things!!! Love the OBS stuff the ond school big blocks are awesome.
@@AmericanAutomotive1 this will be my first big block, I'm excited, but I'm not worried about a bigger truck. I've been planning on getting a skoolie. The bus will be pulling one of the trucks, not sure which one yet though, probably the dodge since its 4x4, but I have friends all over North America, I don't think a few of them would mind having access to either truck for a little while...
Staying within the vehicles rating is most of it to me. I can tow up to 5k with my 1/4 ton '03 Dakota without issue. I will go with a half ton for my camp trailer @6800 lbs, but it's not until I'm hauling a dump trailer that I'll go to 3/4 or 1 ton.
Totally agree, however for me anyway it was the payload number I just couldn't stay within enough frocmy comfort. That is the one major benefit of 3/4 ton and up trucks for sure. Heck, alot of 1/4 tons have similar payloads to 1/2 tons which I always find fascinating. I wish all half tons were more like 2k lbs MIN payload for a very high optioned truck. And wetn upwards of 2500lbs on the lower trims. That would really allow you to use the tow ratings provided in the real world without going over payload.
@@AmericanAutomotive1 little bit delayed here, but wanted to just call one thing out. A 1/4 ton vs a 1/2 ton vs a 3/4 ton is how much cargo weight you can put into the bed before control issues start to arise. Towing capacity doesn't really have anything to do with the suspension aside from "How much can you put on a bumper pull before the front end lifts?" A 1/4 ton truck means that the springs can handle a 500lbs load as if it didn't have a load on. When you overload a 1/4 ton, all it means is you're more likely to get sway or roll, and that even moderate winds can try to toss you off the road.
@@AmericanAutomotive1 Yes, yes they do. Just remembering there was such a thing as a 4 cylinder, 5 speed, 1 ton Datsun 520. Mine was a '79... It HATED hills with a full load of hay on, but I could still get down the road comfortably at highway speeds. Couldn't tow a lawnmower, but could haul 24 bales all day.
where you towing in OD with that 4L60e? because they aren't designed for towing at all in OD It's funny you talk about going taking the boat to a cottage because really that's what a 1/2 ton is for lol, cottage every few weekends, hauling an atv, dirtbike, or snowmobile few times a week. Little bit of farm and construction work. if you really want to load up the bed or the hitch, you need something with a HD drive train. If you're working hard or heavy you need an HD. totally agree, I actually went with a 6.0 2500Hd just because the HD components, sure won't be as fuel efficient, but the money I spend on fuel I'm not spending on repairs. And the only reason that the 6L is limited for 1600lbs is because the 6L didn't have the power so modified you'd have enough for more People towing for a living buy diesels, and typically the gas HD trucks are purchased for fleet trucks by construction and landscaping companies so any hauling is local. Although the newer 6.6 gas GM is fantastic
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Idk what debate there is. If you're on average near or maybe even over your ratings then that means you'll be more comfortable towing with a bigger truck and have less to worry about.
Very true. In wind/rain etc no one has ever wished they had a less capable device for the job.
I can relate and well put. I came from a 2019 Ram 1500 with 5.7 Hemi and 3:21 street gears (1788 Payload) and tow a 7600 LB RV Trailer for 3 years now. My last trip with the Ram, the gas mileage just dived down from 9 mpg to 6 mpg and just didn't have the power anymore even running in 5th gear. Think i wore her out. This past December 2023, I wanted to buy just a base farm truck, no thrills. Ended up with a 2023 Ford F250 XL with STX package for at 59K with the 3:73 gears and 6.8 Mini Zilla gas engine with 3850 payload. I will have to say after a couple of towing experiences, I'm not as wiped out as i used to be. I'd say if you can afford to go 3/4, go for it. There is a noticeable difference, and I too was that 1/2 ton guy. I don't think i would ever go back down to 1/2 ton after this experience. However watch them trim levels, some can get up way up there more than 100K. It is my daily driver.
Well said! I had very similar experience
I had an F150 that, according to the math, would tow the 8000 lb. trailer we wanted, but it would be right at the edge of what's legal and safe. It had 87000 miles on it, so I traded for a slightly used F250. I towed the new trailer home down I35 with many 18 wheelers passing and a little crosswind. Not a hint of sway and plenty of power. I would much rather have too much truck than too much trailer.
@fs_dave i hear ya. Another good point you bring up is mileage. A higher mule half ton may start really breaking alot of things if you hook heavier trailers to them. As would an older person if you threw a 100lb backpack on them haha
I tow everyday, a 7500lb eavestrough trailer with 6 ladders attached to the sides and top as well, with a 3 square foot frontal area box attached to top of trailer also.... it is FAR from aerodynamic. I tow this with a 2014 Tundra SR5 TRD with amsoil fluids all around as well as a engine oil bypass filter setup, no issues for 2 years of towing everyday for work. I grease the driveshaft every 2 months as well.
Will post here in the future, if I remember, if anything happens.
Would lone to hear how it goes! Tundras are good trucks man take it easy on her and you should get some good miles out of her!
Towed myj 6500 lb camper originally with a 2022 Ram 1500 5.7 Hemi pickup with 3.21 rear end. Truck did OK, but did a lot of gear hunting when towing in hilly areas, which is normal. The worst thing was the dismal gas mileage, which averaged around 7.2 mpg. Also with the camper loaded and truck bed full of equipment I was right at the max GVWR. Traded it in for a 2022 Ford F250 with a 6.2 gas engine and 3.72 rear end. Just completed a 1200 mile cross country trip from North Carolina, through the midwest, through Wyoming, Montana, Colorado, Idaho, South Dakota and Washington state. Traveled all through several mountain ranges, including many miles through the Rockies. There is a big difference between towing with a vehicle that was built for towing, and a truck that is basically a daily driver with a few upgrades for towing. I averaged 10.2 mpg on this trip with the F250, plus if you have ever towed a camper through Wyoming and Montana, the wind is so bad the roads are closed at times to all traffic. There is a big difference towing with a bigger heavier vehicle, and much less stressful for the driver. Bottom line, if you only use your camper for weekend trips, or short getaways a half ton truck is probably OK, however, for long cross country trips or serious mountain driving, if you can afford a larger vehicle, you would be well advised to invest in a 3/4 ton. It"s safer, more comfortable, and in some configurations, more economical. My opinion of course. Lol.
@@janeholland6164 100% agree. Im impressed with that mileage. What were you averaging speed wise
@@AmericanAutomotive1 We never tow over 62 MPH. The 3.72 gear ratio makes all the difference as the engine doesn't have to work as hard during acceleration . I was surprised as well, but have taken a couple of trips since then and still average around 10.2 mpg.
@janeholland6164 i really need to dp a few tanks at 60-62. I'd be curious to see what i get.
@@AmericanAutomotive1 Typ O. I meant 3.73 rear end, not 3.72
@janeholland6164 close enough I knew what you meant!
First I will agree about the 05 era. If you compare the 2011 F150, to the mid 2000-2008 2500’s, The 1/2 tons are as heavy, (as the gas versions) are TONS more capable, have bigger brakes, AND sway control. All the advantages EXCEPT payload go to the 1/2ton, unless you get the diesel. My 1/2 ton 2012 Coyote, has 254,000 miles, I tow HEAVY ,constantly, but I change fluids regularly, NO issues. VERY low cost of ownership. I tow 7,000-11,000 constantly.
To be fair, If you need the payload, you need the payload…
I tend to agree the f150 in general is a bot of an exception, I think specifically with the coyote or 6.2 v8. They were slightly more heavy duty even in the mid 2ks, but especially later on then the others. For example, fully boxed frames, pretty stout rear ends, and like you said bigger brakes. Unfortunately for me, my Silverado really is extremely light duty. Great truck for bumming around town hauling stuff from time to time at home depot, but nit a long distance tow rig haha.
@@renurenovationsllc7780 What?
There's a big difference between hauling a flat bed trailer loaded with steel to max towing capacity once, and regularly towing a camper thats at max towing capacity. Also have to consider the added air resistance of a hard body camper. A tent trailer tows substantially easier than a hardbody, even at the same weights.
My 2013 Tacoma is rated for 6500lbs towing. I would consider a one time trip at max capacity picking up building materials, or a trailer of dirt. But I don't wanna pull a high walled, hardbody trailer, or a trailer more than 3000lbs regularly. Often quite surprised what I see some people towing with these small trucks
1000% agree.
i daily on and off a 1984 dodge W100. its geared pretty low, so even though its a 1/2 ton, i would feel comfortable going short distances (less than 20 miles) at 7,000 pounds, i wouldnt really tow more than 5000 pounds, but i would still only do it if i had to.
Now, I am in line to purchase a 95 F250 with the 460 big block, extended cab, long bed. someone put about $8000 into the truck before it was given to the guy im buying it from, and all that guy can say is that the engine and trans were out of the truck at one point, so i have a feeling that the engine and trans had a rebuild recently, which would make sense as it has a gooseneck hitch in the bed, so it had been used to tow. and while i wasnt in the market for a trailer, having that option is nice, even if i just get a truck camper, but ive been seeing some 5th wheel and bumper pull camper trailers on the market that are under 30 feet long and under 10k pounds, and while i wasnt really in the market for one at this point in time, having those options is definitely appealing to me
It's a dangerous game. Get a bigger truck you start looking at bigger trailers...get a bigger trailer you start looking at bigger trucks haha. It's the natural order of things!!!
Love the OBS stuff the ond school big blocks are awesome.
@@AmericanAutomotive1 this will be my first big block, I'm excited, but I'm not worried about a bigger truck.
I've been planning on getting a skoolie. The bus will be pulling one of the trucks, not sure which one yet though, probably the dodge since its 4x4, but I have friends all over North America, I don't think a few of them would mind having access to either truck for a little while...
Meant 3.73 rear end, not 3.72
Staying within the vehicles rating is most of it to me. I can tow up to 5k with my 1/4 ton '03 Dakota without issue. I will go with a half ton for my camp trailer @6800 lbs, but it's not until I'm hauling a dump trailer that I'll go to 3/4 or 1 ton.
Totally agree, however for me anyway it was the payload number I just couldn't stay within enough frocmy comfort. That is the one major benefit of 3/4 ton and up trucks for sure.
Heck, alot of 1/4 tons have similar payloads to 1/2 tons which I always find fascinating. I wish all half tons were more like 2k lbs MIN payload for a very high optioned truck. And wetn upwards of 2500lbs on the lower trims. That would really allow you to use the tow ratings provided in the real world without going over payload.
@@AmericanAutomotive1 little bit delayed here, but wanted to just call one thing out. A 1/4 ton vs a 1/2 ton vs a 3/4 ton is how much cargo weight you can put into the bed before control issues start to arise. Towing capacity doesn't really have anything to do with the suspension aside from "How much can you put on a bumper pull before the front end lifts?"
A 1/4 ton truck means that the springs can handle a 500lbs load as if it didn't have a load on. When you overload a 1/4 ton, all it means is you're more likely to get sway or roll, and that even moderate winds can try to toss you off the road.
@nunyabidness674 True, however to a degree the towing ratings typically follow the higher payloads most of the time.
@@AmericanAutomotive1 Yes, yes they do. Just remembering there was such a thing as a 4 cylinder, 5 speed, 1 ton Datsun 520. Mine was a '79...
It HATED hills with a full load of hay on, but I could still get down the road comfortably at highway speeds. Couldn't tow a lawnmower, but could haul 24 bales all day.
where you towing in OD with that 4L60e? because they aren't designed for towing at all in OD
It's funny you talk about going taking the boat to a cottage because really that's what a 1/2 ton is for lol, cottage every few weekends, hauling an atv, dirtbike, or snowmobile few times a week. Little bit of farm and construction work. if you really want to load up the bed or the hitch, you need something with a HD drive train. If you're working hard or heavy you need an HD. totally agree, I actually went with a 6.0 2500Hd just because the HD components, sure won't be as fuel efficient, but the money I spend on fuel I'm not spending on repairs. And the only reason that the 6L is limited for 1600lbs is because the 6L didn't have the power so modified you'd have enough for more
People towing for a living buy diesels, and typically the gas HD trucks are purchased for fleet trucks by construction and landscaping companies so any hauling is local. Although the newer 6.6 gas GM is fantastic
I don't know that the 60e is really designed to tow in ANY gear...lol